The 27th annual Brains and Brawn Tournament is a chance for Catholic school students in 6th-8th grade, from across the diocese, to compete in basketball (Brawn) or to demonstrate their knowledge in six categories (Brains). Aquinas Catholic Schools hosted the tournament and a Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Charles D. Stoetzel at the end of the competition.

In the Girls’ Brawn basketball competition, there were eight teams competing for the title. St. Mary’s School in Marathon earned the sportsmanship award while Aquinas Middle School from La Crosse won first place.

Nine teams competed in the Boys’ Brawn basketball tournament. Assumption School from Durand earned the sportsmanship award. First place was won by Aquinas Middle School from La Crosse.

For the Brains competition, the teams had to answer nine questions in six different categories: Religion, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts, General Knowledge and Math. St. Patrick School in Mauston took home the Brains sportsmanship title this year, and Columbus Middle School from Marshfield placed first.

At the closing Mass, Monsignor Stoetzel spoke to the students and the entire congregation about the four different types of vocations: singled life, religious life, priesthood or marriage. Although there are four different vocations, it is God’s desire for us to be perfectly united with Him in heaven no matter which vocation a person is called to. By stressing faith and reason, Catholic schools help young people discern God’s will for them and the vocation He wants for each.

Superintendent Tom Reichenbacher said it was another fantastic year and thinks that, besides being a fun experience; it’s a great opportunity for students from across the diocese to gather together.

“I think the kids really get a lot out of the day but mostly it’s nice for them to compete against other Catholic school students,” he said. “Every student competing is from a Catholic school, so we really are bringing the larger church together as a witness to God’s joyful love.”